Author: Erik Wesner

Erik Wesner is the creator of amishamerica.com, and author of Success Made Simple: An Inside Look At Why Amish Businesses Thrive. Erik began visiting Amish communities in 2004 – eventually meeting thousands of Amish families while selling books.

He began writing about the Amish on this website in 2006, and is often cited in national media, including USA Today, The New York Times, and others on a wide range of Amish topics. A native of North Carolina, Erik has visited dozens of Amish communities across the country, and loves spending time with Amish friends and discovering new Amish places.

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7 Irresistible Amish-Style Cake Recipes

7 Irresistible Amish-Style Cake Recipes

The Amish are well-known to enjoy a good cake. Whether it’s for a family birthday (with their large families, they celebrate many of them), a church meal, or just anytime, cake is a commonly-made baked good in Amish homes. Check out this list of Amish-inspired cake ideas and take some inspiration for your next baking afternoon. ~Erik Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth with…

Michigan Drivers Keep Hitting Buggies: Two Amish Children in “Serious Condition”

Michigan Drivers Keep Hitting Buggies: Two Amish Children in “Serious Condition”

This latest Michigan Amish buggy crash happened this morning a little while after 9 AM. Two Amish children, ages 9 and 11, were seriously injured. From WNEM: ISABELLA CO., Mich. (WNEM) – Police are investigating a crash involving an Amish horse drawn carriage and a Chevy pickup truck that occurred in Isabella County. The crash happened on Wednesday, July 16 at around 9:17 a.m. on…

Amish Youth Sing “When All of God’s Singers Get Home”

Amish Youth Sing “When All of God’s Singers Get Home”

After a number of videos lately of Amish singing popular songs, how about something more traditional. This video was filmed at a New Order Amish youth singing in 2023 by P. Thomas (he’s also brought us previous New Order Amish singing as well as Amish schoolchildren singing). In this video, the youth sing “When All of God’s Singers Get Home.” Phil has provided a number…

11 Easy Amish Noodle Recipes for Simple Comfort Food

11 Easy Amish Noodle Recipes for Simple Comfort Food

  If you’re looking to add some hearty comfort food to your dinner table, these 11 Amish-style noodle recipes are just what you need. Each recipe brings a taste of traditional Amish cooking straight to your kitchen. From savory dishes to rich, creamy delights, there’s a noodle dish for every craving. 1. Amish Chicken And Noodles   Classic Amish Chicken and Noodles brings warmth and…

Twice in One Community? Amish Children Run Over by AMISH Vehicles…Twice in One Week

Twice in One Community? Amish Children Run Over by AMISH Vehicles…Twice in One Week

Twice in one week, two small children were run over by horse-drawn Amish vehicles – in the very same Amish community. This is out of Schuyler County, Missouri. The accidents sound quite bad when you read them, and led to serious injuries…but thankfully, it seems both children will be okay. From KTVO: SCHUYLER COUNTY, Mo. — Two young Amish children from northeast Missouri were run…

Amish Farmer Meets Cybertruck

Amish Farmer Meets Cybertruck

File this one under “fun stuff”. A story is going around the internet about a Tesla Cybertruck owner stopping in and “amaz[ing]” an Amish farmer with the vehicle. While that’s not particularly remarkable (“Amish person amazed by some piece of modern tech” is a common basis for news stories and memes), I guess I’m posting this because I really enjoy the photo: This is from…

Lancaster County: 10 Places to Stay for Your Amish Country Visit

Lancaster County: 10 Places to Stay for Your Amish Country Visit

Lancaster County, PA is a haven of rolling farmland, horse-drawn buggies, and warm hospitality. The area draws millions of visitors each year, most to experience “Amish Country” in the nation’s largest Amish settlement. Whether you’re looking to unwind in a quiet countryside B&B, or enjoy modern comforts with a rustic twist, Lancaster County’s Amish Country offers a range of cozy and charming lodging experiences. Here…

Amish Population: The Top 10 States

Amish Population: The Top 10 States

The Amish population continues growing at a high rate, with over 400,000 Amish people living in America in over 650 communities. The Amish are currently found in 32 states. But which states have the largest Amish populations? Scroll on for the latest list, with figures by the Young Center for Anabaptist & Pietist Studies (Elizabethtown College). 1. Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Amish Population: 95,410 The Amish in Pennsylvania…

Amish Country Music: Rose’s Brother & Sister (Third Fret Harmony) Release New Song

Amish Country Music: Rose’s Brother & Sister (Third Fret Harmony) Release New Song

Third Fret Harmony is another Amish music group that (at least) Rose of Ben & Rose has been a part of (and I think still is – though I am not sure). Like Ben & Rose, they are also working with producer Conrad Fisher, and I think you’ll recognize some of that flavor in this song. In this video, which I believe is their first…

Samantha Petersen Pleads Guilty in Crash That Killed Two Amish Girls

Samantha Petersen Pleads Guilty in Crash That Killed Two Amish Girls

A month ago, it was announced that a plea agreement had been arranged for Samantha Petersen, the driver in the crash which took two Amish girl’s lives in Fillmore County, Minnesota in 2023. Today, Petersen officially pleaded guilty. From KROC News: Preston, MN (KROC-AM News) – The former Stewartville woman who was behind the wheel of the SUV that smashed into an Amish buggy and…